The spectacularly lit and decorated Christmas tree at Villa Zorayda during Nights of Lights

Nights of Lights Events

In addition to viewing all the lights, find out what else is happening this season.

Here, you can find all of the Nights of Lights events — all of the gatherings that celebrate the lights, Christmas, Hannukah, and New Year's Eve. The list includes events as local as the holiday markets and as vast as the New Year's Eve fireworks over the Atlantic.  

The Nights of Lights events are focused on the winter holidays after Thanksgiving, and all we do to celebrate them, including viewing the Nutcracker Ballet, the Regatta of Lights, and dining out on New Year's Eve. Nights of Lights always starts on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and continues through January 31 of the following year (or the Sunday just before that). December, in particular, is full of events to celebrate the season.

See our "All Events" list to discover the events that reach beyond the lights such as theater performances, art exhibits, improv shows, live music, car shows, and road races. 

The cover photo is of Villa Zorayda during their holiday events.

Live music being played under the gazebo
Saturday
Nov 21

Light-Up! Night

Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Nights of Lights begins with music and the ceremonial flip of the switch.

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Dolphin Tours at Red Boat Tours
Sunset Cruises at Red Boat Tours
Ocean Sands Beach Boutique Inn
Saturday
Nov 21

Schooner Freedom Nights of Lights

Nov. 21, 2026 to January 18, 2027 | 4:15 - 6:15 p.m.

See the spectacular Nights of Lights from the water aboard the tall ship Schooner Freedom.

The yellow Robinson R44 for Leading Edge Helicopters
Saturday
Nov 21

Helicopter Nights of Lights Tours

Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026 to Monday, Jan. 18, 2027 | Starting at 5:00 p.m.

See the lights from above in a helicopter ride over the city.

An "elf" driver ready for Nights of Lights tour passengers in St. Augustine
Saturday
Nov 21

Panda Tours Nights of Lights Tours

Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 to Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026 | Hourly, 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Take an intimate 45-minute golf cart tour for Nights of Lights.

Sunday
Nov 22

Explore Tours Nights of Lights

Sunday, Nov. 22, 2026 to Monday, Jan. 18, 2027 | 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Learn a bit about St. Augustine's history as you view Nights of Lights in St. Augustine.

The gazebo in the plaza decorated for Nights of Lights
Sunday
Nov 22

Free VIP Nights of Lights Walking Tour

Saturdays, Nov. 28, 2026 - Jan. 16, 2027 | 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Take a free tour, view the lights, and learn more about them and St. Augustine's history.

Art Walk during Light Up the Beach along A1A in St. Augustine.
Saturday
Nov 28

Light Up the Beach Art Walk

Saturday, Nov. 28, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Stroll along A1A in St. Augustine Beach, view art, shop, and dine.

Three daughters and their mother enjoying the Holiday BnB Tour in St. Augustine
Sunday
Dec 6

Bed & Breakfasts Holiday Tour

Sunday, Dec. 6, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

St. Augustine Historic Inns are again hosting this favorite holiday tour.

The group for Luxury Coach & Lights Tour
Friday
Dec 11

Luxury Coach & Lights Tour

Friday, Dec. 11, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

A night of shopping, sipping, and holiday shimmer.

Young ballet dancers, the angels in Nutcracker, holding candles in front of a grand staircase
Friday
Dec 18

The Nutcracker Ballet 2026

Friday, Dec. 18 - Sunday, Dec. 20, 2026 | Times Vary

St. Augustine Ballet presents four performances of this classic production.

Editor's Note: We encourage you to verify event times and details with the organizers, as they may change.